GPs in Lewisham are encouraging people in the borough to consider looking at the small lifestyle changes they can make to either prevent or address obesity during National Obesity Awareness Week 2015.

NHS Lewisham CCG is again supporting National Obesity Awareness Week this year which is taking place between 12 and 18 January 2015.

People and families in Lewisham are being invited to join others across the UK to make a national New Year's resolution to improve the nation's health and take small steps to live a healthier lifestyle.

Dr Marc Rowland, a local GP and Chair of NHS Lewisham CCG, said obesity was estimated to affect around one in every four adults and around one in every five children aged 10 to 11 in the UK[1].

"Obesity can lead to a number of serious and potentially life-threating conditions including type 2 diabetes, coronary heart, stroke and cancer," he said.

"However, small lifestyle changes such as being more physically active, following a healthy, balanced diet and cutting down on sugary snacks can make all the difference.

"Making these small changes can have a huge impact on your health and wellbeing and National Obesity Awareness Week is a great opportunity to look at how we can live healthier lifestyles."

In Lewisham, a third of adults were classified as obese or overweight in 2012, compared to a London average of 57% of adults and an England average of 64%.

Anyone who is concerned about their weight should speak to their GP in the first instance for advice about losing weight safely. Your local GP can advise you on the type of diet you should be following and how much exercise you should do.

The best way to treat obesity is to eat a healthy, reduced-calorie diet and to exercise regularly. Being more physically active could involve taking up activities such as fast walking, jogging, swimming or tennis for two and a half to five hours a week.

It is important to avoid situations where you know you could be tempted to overeat while setting realistic goals and involving your friends and family with your attempts to lose weight can also help.

For more details on National Obesity Awareness Week 2015, which is organised by the National Obesity Forum, visit www.noaw.org.uk